Alex Bleeker & The Freaks

Matt Valentine

Alex Bleeker & The Freaks

Known primarily for holding down the low end for Real Estate, Alex Beeker is also the creator of a longing, haunting brand of folk with alt rock inflections. A deft plucker on the six-strings himself, Bleeker marshals a backing band that has included Julian Lynch and other members of Real Estate, an infinitely capable rhythm section that brings a healthy dose of psychedelic twang. An eponymous LP in 2009 released by Underwater Peoples earned him some much-deserved solo respect, and he has since joined the Domino Recording family, leaving the rock community thirsty for a follow-up.